With the passing of HB 2792, provisions will bolster the responsibilities of the board overseeing proprietary education. The board will now have the authority to issue certifications, manage compliance, and impose penalties on schools that fail to meet required standards. These changes could lead to increased financial accountability for proprietary schools, as they will be mandated to maintain security bonds to safeguard student interests in cases of non-compliance or operational issues.
Summary
House Bill 2792 aims to repeal and replace existing sections of the Missouri Revised Statutes concerning proprietary schools. By enacting new provisions under sections 173.612 and 173.616, the bill seeks to streamline the operation and oversight of such institutions within the state. This initiative is designed to enhance the regulatory framework governing proprietary schools, thereby potentially improving the quality of educational offerings and ensuring better compliance with state standards.
Contention
Some notable points of contention regarding HB 2792 involve concerns about how stringent regulations may affect the availability of certain educational programs, particularly those offered by smaller or more niche proprietary schools. Critics argue that increased regulation might impose excessive burdens on these institutions, potentially limiting educational choices for students. Furthermore, there are worries that the requirement for financial securities, while designed to protect students, could lead to higher tuition rates as schools pass on compliance costs to enrollees.